SAO PAULO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Eight Corinthians players have been diagnosed with COVID-19 ahead of the club's local derby against Palmeiras.
Goalkeepers Cassio and Guilherme, full-backs Fabio Santos and Fagner, central defender Raul Gustavo, midfielders Gabriel and Ramiro and forward Caue have been ordered to self-isolate after routine tests returned positive results, Corinthians said on Tuesday.
Some of the players have shown symptoms and have been taken to hospital as a precaution, the club said, adding that another 11 club employees were also infected.
The news came a day before Corinthians' home clash with Palmeiras in the second round of the Sao Paulo state championship.
It is the second major coronavirus outbreak to hit Corinthians. In June, the club also reported eight positive cases in the first-team squad.
Local media reported that Corinthians manager Vagner Mancini still had 23 players available for Wednesday's fixture at Corinthians Arena. Enditem
